Akhtar vows to open doors for talented youngsters if he becomes chief selector

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar says that anyone who has the talent would be given a chance to make into national team if he becomes the chief selector of Pakistan cricket.

“If I get the job [of chief selector], anyone that has the talent should get ready… investment would be made on these youngsters for three years, and I would work to provide them proper chance in the academy and camp,” said Akhtar, in a video message.

Akhtar, also called the Rawalpindi Express, added that he would aim to find ‘match winners’ for the country. “I don’t care about averages; I am only concerned with the number of matches the player has won for their side. We would need to setup an entire batting lineup that can play white ball cricket.”

He further said that if he is offered the job, the former fast bowler would also like to serve as a mentor for the team, in order to pass his cricketing knowledge to the youngsters.

The fast bowler-turned-cricket pundit added that the chief selector would need to align with the policies of the board and avoid getting into any confrontation. “I would not allow any player to use Pakistan as a tool to get the league contracts. The player could only play two leagues and earn money,” he said.

The former speedster further opined that there should be entire different teams for the three formats of cricket. “In my opinion, we should have different captains and team for the three formats of the game.”

Just weeks ago, Inzamam announced that he will be stepping down from his post of Pakistan cricket chief selector, as he would not seek a contract renewal. The decision came after Pakistan ended their World Cup campaign, after failing to make into the semifinals of the tournament.